The Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, KSCHMA, has praised the quality of healthcare services provided to residents of Borno State through the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, BOSCHMA, describing the scheme as a model for effective healthcare delivery.
Dr. Rahila Aliyu Mukhtar, the executive secretary of KSCHMA, made the remarks while receiving the management, staff, and governing board of BOSCHMA during a study tour to Kano held as part of BOSCHMA’s 2026 retreat.
She said her assessment was based on firsthand experience gained during an earlier visit to Maiduguri, where she toured healthcare facilities participating in the Borno State health insurance program.
Dr. Rahila explained that the visit included inspections of facilities where beneficiaries were enrolled and receiving medical care under the scheme.
She noted that one of the most remarkable differences between the two states is the utilization of maternal healthcare services by pregnant women.
According to her, despite Kano having more than one million enrollees in its health insurance program, many pregnant women do not return to accredited healthcare facilities for childbirth after attending antenatal care.
She said Borno presents a more encouraging example because pregnant women enrolled under the scheme consistently return to health facilities for safe delivery, unlike in Kano, where many choose to give birth in their communities.
Rahila described Borno’s performance as impressive and said KSCHMA is working to promote similar healthcare-seeking behavior among beneficiaries in Kano.
She added that both Kano and Borno have become national reference points and role models for the successful implementation of state health insurance programs in Nigeria.
Hajiya Mairo Bunu Lawan, chairperson of the governing board of BOSCHMA, commended KSCHMA for laying the institutional foundation that inspired the establishment of Borno’s health insurance agency.
She said many provisions of the law establishing BOSCHMA were adapted from KSCHMA’s legal framework and operational experience.
Hajiya Mairo further explained that learning from Kano’s successes and challenges enabled BOSCHMA to avoid many of the mistakes encountered during KSCHMA’s early years.
Following the study tour and presentations by KSCHMA, Dr. Saleh Abba Kaza, the executive secretary of BOSCHMA, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to learn from the agency’s experience.
He said KSCHMA played a pivotal role in BOSCHMA’s establishment by providing not only copies of its enabling law but also valuable guidance on operational challenges and practical solutions.
Dr. Saleh explained that KSCHMA adopted a flat-rate contribution system for civil servants, while BOSCHMA implemented a percentage-based contribution model following recommendations received during its formative stage.
He noted that the percentage-based model has proven more equitable because it provides greater protection for low-income workers and the most vulnerable members of society.
The BOSCHMA delegation included Hon. Mustapha Maina Garbu, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Borno State House of Assembly, Dr. Abubakar Hassan, Special Adviser on Health to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, representatives from the Office of the Head of Service, and officials from other government agencies.
As part of its 2026 retreat, BOSCHMA also organized a series of capacity-building workshops for members of its Governing Board and staff to strengthen institutional capacity and improve service delivery.